English Meaning & Definitions
The determination of the relative position of something or someone, especially in relation to the points of a compass or other specific reference points.
- “The map's orientation was confusing because north was at the bottom.”
- “The building's south-facing orientation maximizes natural sunlight throughout the day.”
A period of introduction or training for newcomers to an organization, school, or environment to help them become familiar with their new surroundings.
- “All new employees are required to attend a two-day orientation before starting their roles.”
- “The university held an orientation session to help freshmen navigate the campus.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “orientation”.
Derived from the French 'orienter' (to align to the east), which stems from the Latin 'oriens' (rising sun/east). Historically, it referred to the practice of placing churches so that the altar faced the east, towards the rising sun. By the 19th century, the meaning expanded to include the act of finding one's bearings or adjusting to a new environment.
Think of 'Orient' (the East). Just as travelers once used the rising sun in the East to find their direction, an orientation helps you find your way in a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions About “orientation”
1. What is the meaning of “orientation” in English?
In English, orientation (noun) is defined as: “The determination of the relative position of something or someone, especially in relation to the points of a compass or other specific reference points.”.
2. How do you use “orientation” in a sentence?
“The map's orientation was confusing because north was at the bottom.”
3. What are English synonyms of “orientation”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “orientation”?
Derived from the French 'orienter' (to align to the east), which stems from the Latin 'oriens' (rising sun/east). Historically, it referred to the practice of placing churches so that the altar faced the east, towards the rising sun. By the 19th century, the meaning expanded to include the act of finding one's bearings or adjusting to a new environment.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
View all English words →The base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.
A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.